Heroin addict caught stealing for drug money

COLDWATER — An investigation by Meijer and Coldwater Police resulted in organized retail fraud charges against

heroin add ict Matthew Vannatta, 30, of Battle Creek. Meijer security personnel reviewing tapes from its stores in southern Michigan spotted Vannatta leaving the Coldwater store on June 16 pushing out two large flat screen televisions valued at more than $1,000.

Officers from the Coldwater Police Department identified Vannatta, and Meijer was able to find him on tape at a Battle Creek store and one in Jackson also taking valuable merchandise.

Vannatta admitted to officers he stole the items in order to sell them to purchase heroin. He will face similar charges in both Jackson and Calhoun county. Vannatta was booked into the Branch County Jail with a $25,000 bond. He will face preliminary proceedings here on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5.